CD Reviews

Heartfelt and touching.

Hoc Stercus | Hudson, NY USA | 05/28/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I got this CD a year ago, and on first play wasn't too impressed with it. Ms. Syms made this recording at the end of her career, and the years have taken a toll on her voice. Maybe because I'm a year older, and a lot closer to Social Security than to my high school graduation, I gave this production a second hearing from a fresh perspective. I now see it as the effort of a valiant woman in the twilight of her years putting every ounce of her being into facing the challenges and indignities of what remains of her life. This time through I find her music heartfelt and touching. And I feel very privileged that I have this disc in my collection. It leaves me with the impression that the world is a somewhat better place because of the music that Sylvia Syms left to it. Don't buy this CD because you want to hear a wonderful voice. Get it because it is one of those rare recordings that will make you feel you are in the company of a very special human being."

Great Sylvia Syms

Dennis J. Pauly | Evanston, IL USA | 10/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is not easy to find since it was released on a small
label but do your damnedest to find it. Just to hear her sing
"Fifty Per Cent" a classic from BALLROOM. She sings the song as if it were a three act play and tears your heart out. Miss Syms really
understands the lyrics and even oddball choices like "Yellow
Bird" and "Nice and Easy" are terrific."

MESMERIZING & HAUNTING~BRAVO SYLVIA!!!

Bradly Briggs | TOLUCA LAKE, CALIFORNIA | 04/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sylvia Syms is one of those legendary wondrous singers whose voice will get under your skin with a few listens if you love those great smokey well-worn soulful voiced singers with all of life's experiences etched into their great voices who get into the heart & soul of each and every song. A superb collection of great songs and magnificent performances from a true master who is one of those underground legendary "singer singers" of the highest order! "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" is the deepest version ever and "Fifty Percent" from "Ballroom" is owned by Sylvia & Dorothy Loudon exclusively...two incredible legendary "DIVAS" of the highest order! Back in the eighties while enjoying another legendary and sadly overlooked "singer's singer" being Morgana King (mama in the original "Godfather" movie but more importantly a great singer!) in a small So. California Jazz Club (those were the days!), a sweet lady seated alone but luckily next to me turned out to be Sylvia Syms and was she ever fun to converse with between sets...well aware of who was next to me, it was amazing that I was able to enjoy two incredibly great legends in one evening...memorable is this awesome classic collection! Nobody better equipped than the great Sylvia Syms to do a complete Marilyn & Alan Bergman Songbook, this collection of masterful songs and performances is a must have for any true lover of great singers in prime form...Bravo dear Sylvia and thank you for this stunning treasure chest of incredible performances and you are truly loved and missed by many!~"